September

Girls camping trip!  I took my two girls and two of their best friends for one night of camping.  The friends had never been tent camping before, so it was extra fun to introduce them to something we love!

There was some imaginative play happening that was clearly enhanced by face paint =)

My dear friend turned 40 and celebrated by bringing some of her friends to the beach.  We spent two nights away and I came home feeling like it had been MY birthday celebration from the rich fellowship and fun that was had by all!

Happy Birthday Uncle Steve!  Matching Oklahoma hats and a german chocolate cake to celebrate

Meanwhile, Rooke was in Oklahoma, being doted on by grandparents and great grandNanas!  He got to go to an OU football game, took part in the IIWTCFL fantasy football draft (it's a real thing!), played disc golf with G-Daddy and Uncle Sean, and ate more of his favorite foods then he ever gets to enjoy at home!

We were all glad when Rooke came home!

Pretty Gretchen loves smoothies

Mother's Day date with Rooke: we had a disc golf lesson together, then grabbed açaí bowls and bubble tea on our way home

After asking for over a year if she can PLEASE learn how to play the violin, Bridgette is starting lessons!

Back to school!  In anticipation of our first day back at Unitas, we surprised the kids with a special dinner out.  It was a sweet time to enjoy delicious food together, and to talk about the coming year: still homeschooling with the support of a 2-day co-op.

First Monday back at Unitas!  

Rooke - 8th grade

Gretchen - 6th grade

Bridgette - 4th grade

Angela - second year at the Grammar 2 tutor

Double date night with friends to see hilarious Nate Bargatze as an early birthday present for Ryan

August

August started with a camping trip to Spruce Knob, West Virginia.  This year Kaye K and Big Daddy drove ALL the way from Oklahoma with their trailer to join us for the week!  The weather was beautiful.  We love camping!

I tried something new this summer.  I've always wanted to learn how to row.  The Washington Rowing School at the waterfront park down the road from our neighborhood was offering a community class, complete with a regatta at the end of the month's practices.  Learning to row was challenging, but rewarding.  It was a great experience I hope to repeat next summer.

Surprise selfies on my phone =)

The month ended with a wonderful visit from my sister.  Aunt Auby is a total rock star in our home - we were thrilled that the travel restrictions lifted in time for Aubyn to visit before school started again.

Rooke grew just a little bit since the last time Aubyn had seen him!

I'm totally ok with the sister twinning 

A visit to the Bible Museum

Dad came to spend time with us also!  What a treat to share a special dinner with this group

Soaking up the last days of summer swimming

 

July

 

Last smile before braces

The beginnings of our garden harvest

Walking to a picnic lunch with our small group

Bridgette and Ruth set up a lemonade stand that raised enough money to put them through college.  I may be exaggerating, but they brought in more money than any two little girls should.  Our neighbors are generous!

Bridgette and Rooke joined the swim team this summer, but because of our road trip we were gone for a lot of the practices.  Bridgette bravely chose to participate in the last swim meet anyway and was glad for the experience.

We rode further on our local bike trail to get bagels for lunch (photo by Rooke, who was with us!)

Fun family nights at the pool

I've always wanted to try rowing and was able to join a community event this summer at the local waterfront rowing school.  One month of three practices a week with an informal regatta to culminate everyone's efforts.  This was my first view on my first morning - it was exciting!

Coffee date with my girls while Rooke was at lacrosse camp

We had fun!